Optimist Club of Sussex County chartered by international organization

The newly formed Optimist Club of Sussex County was installed Nov. 6 as a chartered club of Optimist International. Marino Garbin from Optimist International conducted the installation at the Ocean Grill in the Villages of Five Points, Lewes. Representatives from the Salisbury, Ocean City-Berlin and Fort Smallwood Optimist Clubs in Maryland were also in attendance. The Salisbury and Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Clubs have donated a number of items needed to conduct meetings including a flag, gavel, table covering and bell.

The Salisbury Optimist Club and the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist club provided the charter funding. The Ocean City/Berlin Club is also providing the Optimists of Sussex County an opportunity to sell raffle tickets for several prizes during the Seaside Boat Show which will be held Friday-Sunday, Feb. 16-18, at the Ocean City Convention Center. Thanks to all the support from neighboring Optimists and willing members, the Optimist Club of Sussex County is off to a great start.

The mission of the Optimist Club is to provide hope and positive vision, and to bring out the best in youth, its communities and its members. To help fulfill the mission, Optimist Club of Sussex County members will be working with educators and students at local high schools with essay and oratorical contests, youth appreciation events and sports activities, and promoting awareness of civic affairs, government, the law and patriotism. Students will be guided and encouraged to participate in community activities of their choice.

All Sussex County residents who would like to promote optimism and help children develop to their full potential are invited to join the Optimist Club of Sussex County. Meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at J.D. Shuckers in Georgetown. For more information, contact Connie and Tom Sohnleitner at tomandconnieoptimist@gmail.com or Phil Mandel at phil.mandel@gmail.com.